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to give voice

to give voice

15 4.3
To put thoughts or feelings into words
  • phrasal verb
  • /ɡɪv vɔɪs/
translation icon : dar voz a
  • And more often than not, we cannot give voice to our most important feelings.
  • give voice to the voiceless
  • give voice to multiple perspectives
  • give voice to athletes

And it's in light of that that Hobbes gives voice to his solution.

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Examples

  • With this book, Rinaldi gives voice to the struggle of African Americans for equal education.

    Academic text (2002)
  • I think, however, that you have given voice to a truth that lives in every one of us.

    Academic text (2001)
  • Well, because he gave voice to people who had no voice before.

  • I wanted to give voice to what I think is probably a common criticism of this view.

  • And so she can give voice to the ancient words and I think allow people to hear the emotion and the passion.

  • Thank you for giving voice to all of us who are struggling with our idealism.

  • Additionally, the interviews with and statements by historical figures give voice to those who enacted this history.

    Academic text (2012)
  • Because she gives voice to the voiceless, and I've been silent for a really long time.

  • My job, our job, is to give voice to the voiceless, to bear witness to the innocent and to expose the lies that mask evil with glorious rhetoric.

  • He wanted to give voice to his concerns during the meeting.

Synonyms

to speak
vsto give voice
1.0

To talk with someone to share thoughts or feelings

is about making ideas known in words rather than engaging in talk
to express
vsto give voice
2.3

To show ideas and feelings by words or actions

is limited to putting thoughts into words rather than using actions or art
to speak out
vsto give voice
220 3.4

To say your opinion or feelings openly even when it is difficult

is any verbal expression, not specifically brave or public
to voice
vsto give voice
152 3.2

To say something aloud, especially an opinion or feeling

is the act of putting thoughts into words, not necessarily public
to speak up
vsto give voice
  • Informal
135 3.1

Give your opinion clearly and firmly even when it is difficult

is neutral verbalising, not emphasizing assertiveness or difficulty
to make a statement
vsto give voice
125 3.8

To show an opinion in public by what you wear or do

is broader and includes private or informal verbal expression
to utter
vsto give voice
107 2.9

To say something aloud

is about turning inner ideas into words rather than any sound
to articulate
vsto give voice
85 4.4

To say or write your ideas clearly so others understand

is general verbal rendering without stressing clarity or skill
to vent
vsto give voice
61 4.1

To show strong feelings, especially when angry

is neutral wording of thoughts without implying strong emotion
to phrase
vsto give voice
46 3.9

To choose words to say something clearly

is about conveying the idea itself, not selecting exact phrasing
to word
vsto give voice
44 4.9

To say something in a particular way

is the general act of making a thought or feeling known
to express feelings
vsto give voice
38 3.4

Show or say your emotions to other people

focuses specifically on verbal wording rather than broad communication
to pour out
vsto give voice
  • Informal
33 3.9

To tell someone your feelings and thoughts freely

is any verbal expression, not necessarily uncontrolled or intense
to speak one's mind
vsto give voice
  • Informal
21 3.5

Say what you think openly

is expressing ideas in words without implying bluntness or frankness
to voice opinion
vsto give voice
15 3.2

To say your thoughts or views aloud in public

is about wording any thought or feeling, not only opinions
to vocalize
vsto give voice
14 4.4

To use your voice to show your thoughts or feelings

focuses on wording thoughts rather than producing voice sounds
to think out loud
vsto give voice
12 4.7

Say ideas aloud as they come to you

is deliberate wording aimed at expressing a thought to others
to speak from the heart
vsto give voice
  • Informal
9 3.7

Say something honestly and with strong feeling

is expressing ideas in words without the deep sincerity axis
to verbalize
vsto give voice
  • US
9 4.8

To put thoughts or feelings into words

is the broader act of making thoughts known in words
to use your words
vsto give voice
  • Informal
9 5.3

Tell someone what you feel or need instead of using actions

is the simple act of putting thoughts or feelings into words
to enunciate
vsto give voice
8 5.8

To state an idea clearly so people understand

is about saying thoughts but not necessarily with distinct clarity
to propound
vsto give voice
  • Formal
4 7.9

To offer an idea or theory for others to think about

is general verbalising, not specifically proposing for review
to put forward
vsto give voice
4 3.7

To clearly say your opinion or claim your rights

is expressing ideas without the insistence or rights focus
to ventilate
vsto give voice
  • Formal
4 5.3

Express strong feelings or complaints openly

is not limited to public complaints and includes private expression
to think aloud
vsto give voice
3 5.5

To say your thoughts out loud as you form them

is purposeful wording meant to communicate feelings or opinions
to express emotion
vsto give voice
2 3.4

Show your feelings with words, actions, or your face

is about putting those same inner states into verbal form
to give vent
vsto give voice
1 6.5

To express strong feelings such as anger or sadness

is about verbalising ideas without the emphasis on emotional release
to give tongue to
vsto give voice
  • Archaic
8.5

To say feelings or thoughts aloud

is focused on turning inner ideas into verbal form rather than sound alone
to use one's words
vsto give voice
  • Informal
4.1

To say how you feel or what you need instead of using actions

is expressing ideas in words without the contrast to actions

Antonyms

64 5.8

To make a sound or feeling quieter so it is less noticeable

How Vocal

to proclaim
  • Formal
229 5.3
to give voice
15 4.3
to say
1.0
to mention
1.0
to hint
136 2.0

Surface Forms

give voice infinitive
gave voice past
given voice past participle
giving voice present participle
gives voice third person singular

Morphology

give + voice

The meaning 'to express or articulate' is directly derivable from combining 'give' (to provide or allow) with 'voice' (an expression or opinion): to 'give voice to' something literally means to provide it with expression. This composition follows a common, transparent semantic pattern and is a standard English collocation, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents will likely infer the meaning.

Etymology

Give voice creates the image of handing someone a microphone or giving a puppet a mouth, literally give them voice so they can 'speak' and be heard. That's why it means 'to express' a thought, feeling, or opinion.